LECLAIRE, Iowa — The LeClaire fire station hosted a pancake breakfast on Sunday, Oct. 30, but the fundraiser was about a whole lot more than pancakes and eggs.
The money raised from the breakfast will go toward the family of Sgt. Leevon Ritter, a Pleasant Valley grad who died in 2012. He joined the U.S. Army after his 18th birthday and served two tours before he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.
He's one of only 60 organ donors being honored on the Donate Life float at the 2017 Tournament of Roses parade.
"Because of this act of generosity, four men are alive, as well as possibly 100 more that live better, more healthy lives because of his eye and tissue donations," said Barb on his GoFundMe page.
Southwest Transplant Alliance has requested the presence of his mother, Barb Ritter, and his sisters during the event week leading up to the parade. Family members will travel to Pasadena on December 28. Funds raised will help cover costs for airfare, hotel and general expenses.
Any extra money will go to help other donor families who have also been selected to honor their loved ones.